Related Content

Since the initial accusations surfaced last month – some of which occurring during his pre-Senate career – most of his Democratic colleagues rebuked his behavior while not outright asking for him to step down. But that changed Wednesday, after new allegations emerged, prompting a flood of calls for his resignation.

Nevertheless, some female senators were wiping tears from their eyes as Franken spoke and hugged him as he left the chamber.

During his remarks, Franken took jabs at President Donald Trump's infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, and alluded to next week's special election, in which voters will decide if a candidate accused of misconduct will go to the Senate.

“I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party,” Franken said.

The beginning of Franken’s fall from grace started in mid-November after Los Angeles radio host Leeann Tweeden said he forcibly kissed her and groped her during a 2006 USO tour. At least seven other women have alleged misconduct by the senator since, but he remains defiant on some of the accusations.

“Some of the allegations against me are simply not true,” Franken said Thursday. “Others I remember quite differently.”

His resignation means Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, a fellow Democrat, will name a temporary replacement. The winner of a special election in November 2018 would serve through the end of Franken’s term in January of 2021. Among the possibilities is Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, a trusted ally.

Dayton said after Franken’s remarks that he hasn’t yet decided on an appointment to fill the seat but expects to announce his decision in the next couple of days.

Franken is the second notable Democrat to step down amid accusations this week, following longtime Michigan Rep. John Conyers’ retirement on Tuesday.

It also comes days before Alabama’s special election that could see Republican candidate Roy Moore elevated to the Senate. Over the past month, his campaign has been fighting accusations of sexual misconduct with minors while the 70-year-old former judge was in his 30s.